"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." ~ George Santayana

This is probably my favorite story from American history, although I didn't learn of it until later in life. Jackson was the last real libertarian/populist President - a true champion of the people. He was also -- not coincidentally -- the last President to leave office with the country debt-free (he actually finished paying down the debt from the War of 1812). He was very proud of winning this particular battle. In fact, when asked what his greatest accomplishment was during his two terms in office, he replied, "I killed the Bank." (No, that's not on his tombstone -- urban legend, but he DID say it.)